At a Glance

Deserts are this nation's unexplored wilderness, harboring rare and endangered plants and animals and sheltering hidden oases. And deserts are landscapes changed by humans — to be made to bloom, to be mined for wealth, to tame its wild rivers. With stories of fortunes won and lost, conflict and controversy, these landscapes have been formed and reformed by nature's time and human struggle. Explore these great American deserts — the Sonoran and Mojave — cut by the life-giving Colorado River, and experience their warmth and richness in a journey of a lifetime.

Activity Level

Active

Walking up to two miles on varied terrain. Elevations up to 3,000 feet.

Best of all, you'll ...

Enjoy in-depth, expert-led exploration of Saguaro, Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks.

Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Yuma’s Territorial Prison and picturesque Zabriskie Point and Bad Water in Death Valley.

General Notes

The Scotty’s Castle complex in Death Valley National Park was closed after flood damage in autumn 2015. Until it reopens, we will experience other area highlights.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Jeff Strang

Jeff Strang's knowledge of the environment stems from over 35 years of hiking, paddling, and photography in the outdoors, his extensive experience as a naturalist, as well as from his education at the University of Oregon and Lewis and Clark Law School. In 1987, Jeff filed a precedent-setting lawsuit against Oregon polluters under the Clean Water Act. Jeff has been leading Road Scholar programs since 2002. In his free time, Jeff enjoys biking to work, hiking, kayaking, outdoor photography and studying geology.

Jeff Strang

Suggested Reading List

View 8 books

Death Valley and the Northern Mojave

by Tweed, William C. and Davis, Lauren

Features a lively interpretive text that is complimented by maps, detailed directions and 215 color photos. It is the indispensable book to help you explore and enjoy this extraordinary place.

Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water

by Reisner, Marc

The story of the American West is the story of a relentless quest for a precious resource: water. It is a tale of rivers diverted and dammed, of political corruption and intrigue, of billion-dollar battles over water rights, of ecologic and economic disaster. In Cadillac Desert Marc Reisner writes of the earliest settlers, lured by the promise of paradise, and of the ruthless tactics employed by Los Angeles politicians and business interests to ensure the city's growth. Cadillac Desert is a stunning expose and a dramatic, intriguing history of the creation of an Eden--and Eden that may be only a mirage. 608pp

A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert

by Patricia Wentworth Comus (Editor)

"Once in a generation, a guide to understanding a major North American landscape comes along. This book is such a touchstone, sure to become a classic. The emphasis here is on biodiversity, mutualism, co-evolution, and, especially, ethno-relationships—the long history of connection between desert peoples and their homeland, on both sides of the border.

Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis

by Glennon, Robert

In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.

Desert Solitaire

by Edward Abbey

Edward Abbey's Desert Solitaire, the noted author's most enduring nonfiction work, is an account of Abbey's seasons as a ranger at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah. Abbey reflects on the nature of the Colorado Plateau desert, on the condition of our remaining wilderness, and on the future of a civilization that cannot reconcile itself to living in the natural world.

Joshua Tree National Park Geology

by Trent. D. D. and Hazlett, Richard W.

This book explores the geology and evolution of the Joshua Tree National Park landscape. Includes sections on plate tectonics, regional geology and the seismic activity that continues to shape this remarkable desert setting. Written for visitors, climbers and students of geology. With many full-color photographs and more than fifty diagrams that clearly illustrate geologic events.

The Southwest

by Lavender, David

A historical and cultural overview, including discussions of present-day racial, conservation, and economic problems. Easy reading, fascinating history. 364pp

Cactus Tracks and Cowboy Philosophy

by Black, Baxter

A complete compilation of all the stories and poetry you've heard Baxter do on NPR, with the unforgettable flavor of Baxter's own brand of cowboy philosophy. Over 250 pages of that bizarre humor that had you laughing out loud while driving to work. Some of you even complained to us about having to pull off the road to avoid a "laughter disaster". You'll also find poignant, more dramatic pieces that brought a smile to your face, or that far away look in your eyes.

Afternoon: Hotel Check in after 3:00 PM. Rooms may be available earlier based upon demand, call hotel for request. Road Scholar program registration from 4:30 - 5:15 PM in the hotel meeting room. Meet your program Group Leader and receive your program folder, name tag, the up to date schedule and other important information we will review during Orientation. Beginning at 5:30 PM in the hotel meeting room, your coordinator will provide an in-depth program orientation, review the schedule and lead group introductions. Come prepare for an adventurous week of learning and new friends! Unless otherwise specified, throughout the program, your naturalist Group Leader will describe and explain aspects such as geology, geography, human, and natural history as we pass though spectacular scenery. All transportation will be via motor coach unless specified otherwise. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: After Orientation enjoy a buffet dinner including salad, main entree, sides and dessert in the conference room. Water, ice tea and coffee are included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase at the hotel lounge.

Evening: At leisure. Take the rest of the evening to settle in, relax, and get a good night's sleep for the full day ahead tomorrow.

DAY

2

Saguaro National Park West & Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Tucson. AZ

B,L,D

Hilton Garden Inn Tucson

Activity note: Drive time to and from hotel 45 minutes. Prepare to be on your feet for a good part of the day. The walking distance at Saguaro National Park will be about 1/2 mile on a paved trail and on a level gravel dry stream bed. There will be multiple stops to discuss desert flora and fauna. The visit to the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum will be a self guide, self paced experience. The museum trails are generally gravel with some rolling hills. Walk as much or as little as you like.

Morning: Travel to Saguaro National Park Tucson Mountain District Visitor Center. Upon arrival the group will view the spectacular park video in the auditorium as an introduction to the Sonoran Desert.Saguaro National Park is home to the world’s most recognized cactus, the majestic saguaro. This will be our first exposure to the Sonoran Desert and an opportunity to establish program themes such as desert adaptations, water issues and diversity. A guided walk among the desert vegetation by your naturalist Group Leader will be offered. Depart Saguaro National Park and drive 10 minutes to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum arriving before lunch.

Lunch: Enjoy a plated lunch at the Arizona - Sonora Desert Museum. A selection of sandwiches with chips and cookie will be offered. Ice tea (try the prickly pear flavor), water, coffee and sodas are included from the beverage station. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: After lunch explore the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum on your own. With a museum map in hand - an orientation by your Group Leader will help guide participants to the many fascinating exhibits, special events, natural features, docent demonstration areas and trails. Special presentations including the reptile demonstration, docent staffed exhibit tables and the famous "Raptor Free Flight Program" will be available. Stunning and often odd desert flora and fauna are on display throughout the museum.

Dinner: Festive plated dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. Participants will choose a dinner selection from a group menu. Ice tea, coffee and sodas are included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase from servers.

Evening: After dinner your Group Leader will discuss travel plans and logistics for the next day's travel.

DAY

3

Yuma Territorial Prison Park & Colorado River Views

Yuma, AZ

B,L,D

Wingate Hotel

Activity note: Driving time from Tucson to Yuma is 3.5 hours (245 miles). In Yuma there will be an optional one mile walk from the downtown area to the Yuma Territorial Prison along the banks of the Colorado River and Gateway Park on a paved path.

Breakfast: Hot buffet breakfast in the hotel restaurant.

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Yuma, AZ. Along the way we travel through the Sonoran Desert National Monument and follow the course of the Gila River on its route to the Colorado River. Dramatic changes in the desert landscape will be experienced on this day as we travel from the relatively lush Tucson portion of the Sonoran Desert to the dry lower Colorado River portion. Features and stories of historic and regional significance will be pointed out and discussed along the travel route by your Group Leader.

Lunch: Plated lunch at Lute's "Casino". Lute's has been a Yuma landmark for generations. It is full of interesting and zany trappings and it is where the locals gather to eat lunch. Participants will order from a group menu with a wide selection of lunch items. Water, ice tea, sodas, lemonade, coffee and tea will be included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In Yuma enjoy a docent lead tour of the famous Yuma Territorial Prison Historic Park. Steep yourself in the history of the old west with a docent lead tour of the park museum and prison grounds. Enjoy sweeping views of the Colorado River and Yuma in the distance.

Dinner: Dinner at an Asian Buffet Restaurant. Enjoy a wide variety of Chinese entrees in addition to sushi, salad and dessert stations. Ice tea, hot tea, coffee and sodas are included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Evening: A presentation on Western Water and the Colorado River by retired US Bureau of Reclamation manager Jim Cherry in the hotel conference room. For 33 years Jim Cherry worked for the US Bureau of Reclamation. Major responsibilities for Cherry included overseeing the operation of the Hoover, Davis and Parker dams on the Lower Colorado.

DAY

4

Algodones Dunes, Salton Sea & Arrive Desert Hot Springs

Desert Hot Springs, CA

B,L,D

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

Activity note: There will be an opportunity for exploratory walks on a sand dune at the Algodones dune field and along the shore of the Salton Sea. Driving time from Yuma to Desert Hot Springs is 3 hours (175 miles).

Morning: After breakfast, load luggage and travel to Desert Hot Springs. The group will travel through the Imperial Valley which lies mostly below sea level and is one of the richest agricultural areas in the US. Imperial Valley features include the Algodones Sand Dune Field, the Imperial hydrothermal area, and the Salton Sea. The Salton Sea was created in 1905 when Imperial Valley water suppliers breached a levee and allowed the Colorado River to overflow its banks and fill this below sea level basin. On board and field commentary will be provided by your Group Leader. Stops for viewing these interesting features will be made at appropriate places and times.

Lunch: Box lunch picnic on the shore of the Salton Sea at Salton Sea State Park. A selection of sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookie will be offered. Colds drinks will be provided.

Afternoon: Continue travel to Miracle Springs Resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs California. Before arriving in the Palm Springs/Desert Hot Springs area, we will travel through the Coachella Valley, the “Date Palm Capital” of the world. We will stop at the Oasis Date Garden to sample some of the many variety of dates. If you are adventurous you can treat yourself to a date milk shake!

Dinner: Dinner at the Miracle Springs Resort. A rotating nightly buffet dinner with salad, entree, sides and dessert will be offered. Ice tea, lemonade, hot tea and coffee are included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase from the resort lounge.

Evening: Evening presentation on the human and natural history of the Cahuilla and Agua Caliente native people in the meeting room, presented by exuberant naturalist Jona Kalayjian. Jona brings a treasure trove of desert materials and pictures to share with the group to bring her cultural and natural history stories to life.

DAY

5

Joshua Tree National Park Viewpoints & Hidden Valley.

Desert Hot Springs, CA

B,L,D

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

Activity note: An optional one mile loop hike in Hidden Valley (Joshua Tree) will be offered. The trail is made up of gravel and some exposed rock surfaces. The trail is generally on gently rolling terrain but there are a couple areas that have a series of stone steps (newly reworked by the Park Service trail crew) that must be negotiated with extra care. The overall ascend up and down is about 20 - 30 feet at each location. Drive time to Joshua Tree is 1 hour (50 miles).

Breakfast: A buffet breakfast will be served in the hotel conference room. During our stay a rotating selection of eggs or pancakes, sides, toast, oatmeal and fruit will be offered. Tea, coffee, and juices are included.

Morning: Depart for Joshua Tree National Park. On board and field commentary will be provided by your Group Leader. Two deserts whose characteristics are determined primarily by elevation, come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park and feature creosote bush, ocotillo, and cholla cactus. The higher and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the habitat of the Joshua tree. The park also contains many fantastic geologic formations. We will stop at the Twenty-nine Palms Visitor Center on our way to Keys View (5185 feet above sea level). This outstanding view point overlooks the Coachella Valley which includes the Salton Sea and the San Andreas Fault Zone.

Lunch: Picnic lunch at the spectacular Hidden Valley picnic area among the whimsical and dramatic boulders. Sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookie will be offered. Cold drinks will be available.

Afternoon: We continue our Joshua Tree National Park visit with an optional one mile hike into Hidden Valley on an rough unpaved trail that winds between unique desert plants including Joshua trees, and spectacular granite boulders; and leads us through the legendary cattle rustlers hideout.

Dinner: Dinner at the Miracle Springs Resort.

Evening: Evening at your leisure.

DAY

6

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway & Palm Springs Street Fair

Desert Hot Springs, CA

B,L

Miracle Springs Resort & Spa

Activity note: Expect much cooler temperature and possibly snow on the ground at the Palm Spring Tram Mountain Station. An optional hike in Long Valley will be offered depending on weather and trail conditions. From the station, a 200 yard long paved walkway descends to the valley floor. The 3/4 mile Long Valley Nature Trail Loop (relatively level) and the 1.5 mile Desert View Loop (some elevation gain and uneven footing) both start from the bottom of the walkway.

Breakfast: Breakfast will be served at the hotel.

Morning: Depart for the the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. This is truly an engineering marvel and a breathtaking experience. Starting from an elevation of 2,643 feet at the Valley Station the tram will transport the group to the Mountain Station at an elevation of 8,516 feet. At the Mountain Station enjoy sweeping views of the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea and Joshua Tree National Park. Trails lead into the San Jacinto Wilderness. Plenty of time for gazing and exploring (including a small museum and 2 videos) will be offered.

Lunch: Buffet lunch will be at the Top of the Tram Cafe. Participants will choose from two side salads, 3 entrees and sides. Hot and cold drinks from the self serve beverage station. Alcoholic drinks available for purchase.

Afternoon: Return by approximately 2:00 pm and enjoy a free afternoon at the Miracle Springs resort and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. This is a perfect time to relax by the pools or schedule a spa treatment at the resort.

Dinner: Dinner on your own. Tonight we will take participants to the "Palm Springs VillageFest'. Transportation will be provided on this evening to and from downtown Palm Springs. This weekly street fair is consistently voted as Palm Springs number one community event featuring arts, crafts, food, and entertainment! The street fair offers a large variety of meal options.Your coordinator will provide dining suggestions to various eating venues in the area. NOTE: the "Capri Restaurant" on site at the Miracle Springs Resort has a full dinner menu for those that do not wish to "go into town".

Evening: A trip to the Palm Springs Street Fair will be offered this evening. Arts and crafts booths, food stalls and open shops all make for a festive evening of browsing and shopping.

Morning: This will be our longest travel day but we will break up the miles by taking the scenic back roads en route to Death Valley National Park through the Mojave Desert. On board commentary will be provided by your Group Leader. Stops for viewing these interesting features will be made at appropriate places and times. Our morning travels will take us past Amboy Crater Volcanic Field and then through the spectacular Mojave National Preserve to the Train Depot in the tiny outpost of Kelso. The newly renovated Kelso Train Depot is a National Park Service visitor center and museum with excellent exhibits and bookstore.

Lunch: Sack lunch on the grounds of the historic Kelso Depot. Sandwiched, chips, fruit and cookie included. Cold drinks will be provided.

Afternoon: Arrive in Death Valley National Park by approximately 4:00 pm in time for hotel check in. Unpack and relax before dinner.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the Oasis of Death Valley Restaurant. A nightly plated entree with salad, a side and dessert will be offered. Water. tea, coffee and sodas are included. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from your server.

Evening: Evening at your leisure.

DAY

8

Explore Death Valley's Badwater & Zabriskie Point.

Death Valley, CA

B,L,D

The Oasis at Death Valley

Activity note: The optional Golden Canyon Trail proceeds along the bottom of the canyon floor. Except for a small step- up at the beginning, the natural gravel trail is mostly level (dry stream gradient). There is a customary turn around place at one mile ( 2 miles round trip) - further exploration up the canyon is possible, time permitting. This is an in and out the same way trail so one can go as far as one wishes and then turn around. Driving time is minimal today.

Breakfast: Enjoy a generous expansive breakfast buffet at the Oasis of Death Valley Restaurant. No one will go hungry here with plenty of hot and cold breakfast selections available. Tea, coffee, juice and milk available.

Morning: Time to explore the park! On board commentary will be provided by your Group Leader. For a unique experience we will drive to and explore "Bad Water". Bad Water (salt flat lake) encompasses the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere at 282 feet below sea level and is the driest place in North America with an average rainfall of only 1.96 inches a year. This first excursion into the park is a perfect introduction to Death Valley’s many and varied landscapes. Make sure that you have plenty of film (or memory) in your camera. The touring continues with a stop at Zabriskie Point. A trip to Zabriskie Point for many is the highlight of the trip. The otherworldly "naked earth" scene that is exposed here dazzles the eye and has had the ability to strike fear in the heart of the hapless traveler.

Lunch: Lunch at the Oasis of Death Valley Restaurant. Enjoy generous hot and cold entree selection with sides plus salad and dessert bar. Self serve beverage station is included. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: Optional Hike on the Golden Canyon Trail led by your Group Leader. This trail provides a beautiful window into the heart of Death Valley. At the entrance to Golden Canyon you have a sweeping view across Death Valley toward the Panamint Mountains. The narrow, deep shape of the side canyons of Death Valley, such as Golden Canyon, indicate that the uplift of the mountains is relatively recent, consistent with other evidence that the landscape of Death Valley is quite young.

Dinner: Dinner at the Oasis of Death Valley Restaurant.

Evening: If available and scheduled by the National Park Service in the Furnace Creek area an evening ranger program will be offered.

DAY

9

Explorations in Death Valley National Park & Vicinity.

Death Valley, CA

B,L,D

The Oasis at Death Valley

Activity note: An opportunity to walk in the Stovepipe Wells (Mesquite) dune field will be offered. Multiple short drives as we explore the park, two hours total (80 miles).

Breakfast: Enjoy a breakfast buffet.

Morning: Continue our explorations in Death Valley and vicinity. Our first stop will be at the majestic Mesquite Sand Dunes. A short exploratory walk on the dunes will be offered. Perfect for photos! Continue 45 minutes to the mining ghost town of Ryolite. A Bureau of Land Management ranger will conduct a walk of the "town" bringing to life the past glory of this silver producing mining district. Picturesque old buildings and artifacts help set the scene for share stories and historic commentary throughout our walk.

Lunch: Box lunch picnic in the field. Sandwiches, chips, fruit, cookie and bottled water will be offered.

Afternoon: On the return trip to Furnace Creek a stop at the newly renovated Death Valley Visitor Center will be offered. The visitor center features a 20 minute park video, park natural and cultural history exhibits and bookstore.

Eight pools are scattered around the property. The largest is kept at about 80 degrees. The smaller pools bubble and percolated at about 104 soothing degrees. All of the pools are fed directly from the mineral waters of Desert Hot Springs.

Furnace Creek Ranch is a complete resort fashioned on the grounds of the original working ranch and later the housing for the 20 mule team operation. Located in Death Valley National Park, the Ranch offers hiking in adjacent canyons, swimming, golf, tennis and horseback riding.

This tour is a wonderful introduction to the deserts of the South West - Sonora, Joshua Tree & Death Valley - each with its own unexpected beauty. A terrific leader (Matt Turner), driver (Alex) and welcoming fellow travelers made this one of my favorite RoadScholar journeys.

If you've never been to this part of our beautiful country...and think that deserts are just a bunch of sand...
Well, take this trip and you'll be amazed at the beauty and diversity of the land, plants and animal life before you.

This is one of the best programs I have taken and exceeded my expectations! Joshua Tree National Park and Death Valley have been on my bucket list for years and I was delighted with my time at both. No superbloom this year but all the desert field trips were spectacular. Kudos to our group leader Matt and driver Alex for sharing their knowledge, adapting to changes with humour and making everyone in our large group of 38 feel included.

This program was wonderful and offers the opportunity to visit 3 national parks. Matt was a great leader with tremendous knowledge about the area. Alex was the best bus driver ever!! The highlight for me was the tram ride in Palm Springs and hiking in the snow.

I really loved the trip.The differences between the deserts was something I found interesting. Jeff was very friendly and gave us good information about the area, and we saw some incredible scenery. This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I will certainly look into future trips, especially if I want to go alone to places my husband is not interested in seeing.

What a wonderful experience we had on Deserts and their National Parks of the Southwest. Our leaders, Bruce and Dave, gave us a wealth of information and background Of this area. They worked together as a most enjoyable team.
We saw the Superbloom of wildflowers along with rain in Death Valley. Both were so unique and we were lucky to see. We learned so much about geological features of the land in this area along with the history and plantlife of the desert.
Yuma, Joshua Tree National Park, Tucson, Palm Springs, the Aerial Tram--1 of 3 in the world, Death Valley, Kelso, Frolicking in the dunes,visiting Oasis Dates, Furnace Creek, seeing the San Andreas Fault and Las Vegas were some of the high points.
We had a wonderful group of people to travel with and our leaders made everything fun. We use our Road Scholar trips as a way to spend time with our dear friends who also enjoy learning, exploring and traveling. "Which one should we do next?"

The quality of the leadership & knowledge of the instructors was excellent. The over-all lodging and food was adequate. The Rhyolite ghost town & Kelso train station were a bonus. I considered the cost of the over-all program a value.

I liked everything about this program. The three desert national parks are very different from one another; it's hard to pick a favorite. I liked the saguaros and Joshua trees and the very high mountains in Death Valley and the Palm Springs area. The geology is very interesting. And the warm pools at the Desert Hot Springs hotel were great for relaxing after hiking.

This program is perfect to get you out of the winter slump. The weather was beautiful, and we learned so much about geology and history of the area. We were fortunate to experience the desert "super bloom". The leaders were knowledgeable, considerate, and efficient, not to mention entertaining. Accommodations and meals were good. As on all Road Scholar trips, the camaraderie of an interesting group of participant is an added perk.

This program focused on mountains and deserts and their causes and effects. Even if you thought you knew a lot, you will learn more. Information is presented in an interesting way by leaders that are knowledgeable and considerate. The scenery is wonderful and the weather in Feb/March are bound to be better than most other places, so how can you go wrong? This was a terrific trip in many ways!

"On the Road: America's Great Deserts and Their National Parks" - absolutely wonderful program. I enjoyed the beauty of the deserts; the cactus and plants; wonderful hotel with spa pools; good food; and, of course, all the information our great director Matt Turner gave us. A man full of knowledge of this area. For you folks in a cold Feb. climate, this is the trip to take to get out of the cold.

If you like deserts or if you would like to experience desert envoirnments in a pleasant and informative way, this is the program for you. There are many beautiful sights on this tour and the tour director is really good. You will have fun!

This was a wonderful program that introduced me to the variety of desert settings in the southwest. It was well-paced and excellently led by Bruce Banker, our leader. I look forward to taking more Road Scholar trips: this was my first!